Grandparents lost $5 million in scams — now, 13 people face charges
KHOU — Thirteen people have been charged in an elder fraud scheme targeting more than 400 seniors through fake “grandparent” calls from the Dominican Republic.
According to U.S. federal officials, the accused operated a sophisticated “call center” scam, convincing elderly Americans that their grandchildren or close family members were in trouble and urgently needed cash. The average age of those targeted was 84.
Multiple call centers employed English-speaking staff who posed as panicked grandchildren or their attorneys.
“Any time that you are asked by an authority to do something immediately, you need to take a breath. Now, I know that’s not easy to do, because you’re under stress, and that’s what they want to play on.”
Full article and video: American grandparents lost $5 million in this scheme. Now, 13 people are facing charges